RAC Gasoline Observe data displays that petrol and diesel rates have been Specially risky in the final number of decades.

Combine this Along with the greater govt tension on entrepreneurs of diesel cars and trucks and the expense and infrastructure concerns around electric powered autos and it may lead to motorists hunting elsewhere.

Just what exactly of LPG, the seemingly suitable choice that is been overlooked within the chilly of late? Listed here we take a look to determine no matter whether it's a feasible alternative or not.
What's LPG And exactly how could it be made?

LPG stands for liquefied petroleum fuel and is also a kind of 'liquid gasoline' that may be made use of as fuel for several different reasons, including powering autos.

Also known as butane and propane gasoline, or autogas in motoring circles, it's the by-item with the processing of natural gasoline liquids together with the refining of crude oil.

When traditionally it was deliberately burnt off and squandered, in the last few decades it's been recognised as a versatile very low-carbon gasoline – and utilized productively.

Although the phrase ‘liquid gasoline’ appears being a contradiction in conditions, it really describes a clear gas that turns to liquid when subjected to stress or cooling: it’s this characteristic that enables it being saved in tanks in a car.

Most petrol automobiles might be fitted using an LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gasoline) conversion, turning them into ‘dual-fuel cars’ that will run on LPG in addition to petrol. Some brand names, including Dacia, have offered conversions in the factory.

LPG

The benefit of this is evident any time you check out filling station charges for the two fuels: LPG fuel is well less than £one a litre in 2024, whereas petrol and diesel has not been beneath that figure since 2007.

Whilst autos are unlikely to generally be additional fuel-economical when jogging on LPG, you might nonetheless help you save a chunk on the gas bills. The moment the cost of the LPG conversion has actually been paid off, This might add approximately a substantial conserving – and the greater you drive, the more you help save.
Why is it not more commonly used?

Despite the fact that LPG is widely used by properties and businesses, below just one percent of vehicles on United kingdom streets are fuelled by it.

There are a selection of reasons why Many individuals are hesitant to transform their motor vehicle to operate on LPG but certainly one of the greatest motives is The shortage of incentives within the British isles Government.

Even though vehicles converted by approved businesses could qualify to avoid wasting on car or truck excise responsibility (VED), by being classed being an ‘alternatively-fuelled’ car or truck, the newest regulations indicate these only preserve £10 per year on highway tax.

Very similar to electric cars, it’s a ‘hen and egg’ circumstance. With LPG-converted cars symbolizing these kinds of a small proportion of all motor vehicles on United kingdom roads, there’s little incentive for filling stations to supply LPG. And if it’s difficult to find filling stations stocking it, motorists will likely be reluctant to convert to LPG.

Lots of people don’t understand the positives and negatives of jogging an LPG vehicle. With no exact same incentives as electric powered cars, LPG only isn’t getting promoted in britain. Numerous motorists only aren’t aware of its existence.

Drivers are concerned about the price. Changing a petrol car to run on LPG can Charge around £2,000, and there’s no assurance in the United kingdom govt that it received’t elevate duties on LPG Later on. The price of LPG has also enhanced significantly in the final handful of years, slashing prospective personal savings.

This uncertainty will make it difficult to sell an LPG-converted vehicle, which means you’ll struggle to get your money back if you do buy a conversion after which you can sell the vehicle.

Whilst a handful of car manufacturers have previously experimented with offering manufacturing unit-in good shape LPG kits on new products (it's possible you'll obtain ‘twin-fuel’ Fords, Dacias, Vauxhalls, Protons and Saabs in the classifieds), all of them offered in little quantities and, as such, only Dacia sells new LPG transformed autos currently.

11 methods to cut your driving emissions
Can you really get monetary savings likely electrical?
Petrol or diesel? Details and quiz that will help you pick out

How readily available is LPG?
Another reason why many people are hesitant to transform their automobile more info to operate on LPG is the difficulty to find gasoline stations that offer it.

In accordance with the UK trade association for that LPG business, UKLPG, there are actually 1,400 LPG refuelling stations across the nation compared to all around eight,350 filling stations overall.

That means it’s tougher to uncover LPG than petrol or diesel, especially if you live in the rural location wherever filling stations are scarcer.

It is acquiring simpler to Track down LPG stockists, while. There are now several Sites and cell phone applications exhibiting your closest LPG company, and in many cases permitting you Review prices.

A number of the massive gasoline station chains from time to time present LPG, together with Shell, BP and Esso, as do grocery store petrol stations, notably some Morrisons and Sainsbury’s stations.
Need to I change my automobile to LPG?

Let's summarise the positives and negatives of converting your automobile to LPG.
Professionals

Less costly than petrol and diesel
Lowered CO2 emissions
Quieter than diesel engines
Evaporates in the case of the leak, so minimal danger

Cons

Highly-priced to set up
Difficult – extra prices if it goes Erroneous and for servicing
Could be difficult to refill